Gerry Cully, who stole the headlines at Tramore on New Years Day when No Problem landed the opening contest of the new millennium, struck again at Cork yesterday when he saddled Vain Minstrel to win the featured Siucra Handicap Chase.
Partnered by Shay Barry, the well supported 6 to 4 market leader battled on gamely to put his head in front after the bypassed second last obstacle to land the spoils by seven lengths. In the interests of safety, the penultimate obstacle was omitted for the race due to ground conditions in the vicinity.
' I think his back was at him before he won at Thurles in November. A back specialist from the U.K., Sarah Culverwell came over and sorted it out and he's more free in himself now,' said Cully.
Mill Lane Lady, a winner over fences at the successful Tramore New Years Day fixture, followed up again, but this time over hurdles, when making all the running in the hands of Philip Carberry in the Excellent Choice Hurdle.
Templevalley ran out at the second last fence in that race at Tramore when still holding a chance but he duly compensated connections when landing the Fermoy Fish Beginners Chase under Pat Verling.
'He was unlucky at Tramore. He's a horse that has had a lot of problems but I suppose the ideal race long term for him could be the Power Gold Cup, assuming the ground wouldn't be hard,' said winning trainer Liam Burke.
Conor O'Dwyer, out of luck when Kadouko fell in the beginners chase, enjoyed better fortune later when he teamed up with Tommy Stack's Party Lad to justify favouritism in the maiden hurdle.
Bookmakers suffered another blow in the concluding bumper when newcomer Golden Row landed several tidy wagers. 'I've only had him seven weeks and he didn't come cheap but I suppose he's cheap now,' remarked shrewd trainer Charles Byrnes, before he outlined future plans for his charge who stands at seventeen hands high, 'He'll run in a winners bumper next and won't go hurdling this season.'
Brian Fleming
Irish Racing Services
